Lock system for a horizontal locking box

ABSTRACT

A lock system for a horizontal tool box wherein the latching mechanism for the lid may be operated from the proximal end of the toolbox and locking is achieved by means of a single padlock which is likewise located at the proximal end of the toolbox. An elongated latch rod is slidably disposed adjacent a front wall of either the body or lid components of the box. Latching portions of the latch rod are disposed to slidingly engage flanges that extend from the opposite component of the box to latch the components together at multiple locking points, the elongated latch rod being slidably disposed to engage or disengage each locking point substantially simultaneously. The padlock and the elongated latch rod are disposed such that the padlock body blocks the longitudinal movement of the proximal end of the latch rod and maintains the latch rod in the latched position when the body components are in the closed position and the padlock is locked, but the proximal end of the latch rod passes between the shackle and the padlock body to move the latch rod to the release position when the padlock is unlocked.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lock system for ahorizontal container, and more particularly to a lock system in which apadlock is located within the container so as to not be exposed totampering.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Containers, such as tool boxes and storage cabinets, which areused at construction job sites and similar locations for storing toolsand materials, are typically protected from theft by means of padlocks.In many instances, due to the value of the tools or materials stored insuch containers, it is additionally desirable to use containers havinglock systems that shield the padlock so that the padlock will not beexposed to tampering, such as by attempts to cut the padlock shackle orpry the shackle from the padlock body.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,281 to Knaack et al., owned by the assigneeof this application, describes and claims a lock system for a containerin which a padlock is mounted on a support within the container suchthat only its key insertion surface is exposed for external access. In adisclosed embodiment of the lock system for a storage cabinet, thesupport is mounted on a vertical stile of the cabinet. A slide member ismounted on the stile for movement, and has means for coupling to thedoors of the cabinet and maintaining the doors in a closed position whenthe slide member is in a lowered position. Locking of the doors isachieved through cooperation of a tang, which is pivotally mounted onthe underside of the slide member, and the shackle of the padlock whichis captured by the support. The tang is positioned for insertion betweenthe shackle and the body of the padlock when slide member is in itslowered position. When the padlock is locked, the body of the padlockpushes the tang toward the shackle so that a notch on the tang capturesthe shackle thereby preventing a slide member from being raised tounlatch the doors. To in order to allow the tang to disengage from theshackle when the padlock is unlocked, the tang is mounted such that itis normally urged by its own weight to an inclined position from theshackle.

[0004] While the embodiment of the lock system illustrated in the Knaacket al. patent is very effective for preventing padlock tampering, it canbe somewhat cumbersome and time consuming to install, especially in theconfined space of a tool chest or cabinet.

[0005] A lock system which addresses this installation problem of theKnaack et al. system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,078 to Weger,Jr. The Weger patent is also assigned to the assignee of thisapplication. Like the Knaack et al. system, the lock system disclosed inthis patent uses a slide member with a tang for engaging a shackle of apadlock. In some embodiments disclosed in this patent, the shackle ofthe padlock is captured on the support by means of an easily removableU-shaped bracket which has a pull-up ledge with coaxial openings forcapturing the shackle.

[0006] Although the Weger system provides certain improvements over theKnaack et al. system, it is still not entirely satisfactory due to theuse of a free hanging pin, the lock system has the significantlimitation that it can only be used in containers that accommodate it inan upright position. Furthermore, the correct operation of the locksystem requires reasonably precise alignment of the tang with respect tothe shackle of the padlock. However, since the tang is designed to hangfreely on the slide member, there is no means for positively controllingits position. Thus, if the cabinet is not level, the inclined positionof the tang will be affected, and the notch on the tang may not be clearof the shackle when the padlock is unlocked. Similarly, friction in thepivotable support of the tang or between the tang and the shackle or thebracket may prevent the tang from returning to its normal inclinedposition when the padlock is unlocked, thereby hindering the operationof the lock system. Because the slide member normally stays in the lowerposition, the doors normally remain latched in the closed position evenwhen the padlock is unlocked. Thus, every time a user attempts to openthe door, he has to move the slide member up to unlatch the doors.Although this arrangement prevents accidental opening of the doors, someusers may consider it somewhat inconvenient and would rather leave thedoors unlatched.

[0007] Various locking systems have been proposed for horizontallydisposed locking boxes having an upwardly opening cover, as opposed tovertical doors. In order to prevent would-be thieves from prying openthe corners of such horizontal boxes, horizontal storage cabinetstypically include locking mechanisms at both free corners of the coveropposite the hinge. Horizontal tool boxes marketed by the assignee ofthis application typically include two padlocks disposed at oppositeends of the box adjacent the locking mechanisms for the free corners ofthe cover. Using two such padlocks can be inconvenient for the user inthat two keys must be maintained and the two padlocks separatelyactuated to unlock the box. Moreover, if the box is disposed in a truckbed, transverse the vehicle, the user must unlock the lock at one end ofthe box and then walk around to the opposite side of the truck andunlock the opposite lock. Similarly, when locking the box, the user mustensure that both locks are locked. Thus, locking, checking, andunlocking locks at either end of the box can be a time consuming processwith the potential for user error.

[0008] An attempt to provide a horizontal tool box wherein the latchingmechanisms at opposite ends of the cover may be operated from one end ofthe box, a locking system for a horizontal container is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,308,126 to Weger, Jr. et al. This patent is likewiseassigned to the assignee of this application. The Weger '126 patentdiscloses a push button lock system having a push button lock mechanismdisposed along opposite sides of the container. Depression of either ofthe push buttons engages and displaces a pivoting latch member todisengage the pivoting latch member from a rigid latch member extendingfrom the lid, while locking the push button lock pivots the pivotinglatch member into engagement with the rigid latch member. The pushbutton locks along opposite faces are coupled together by a series oftie rods, a stirrup and brackets which provide movement of the pivotinglatch member of one side by operation of the lock of the opposite side.

[0009] While the Weger '126 patent locking system includes a relativelylarge number of moving parts, which may be susceptible to damage whichcould potentially prevent proper operation of the locking mechanism.Moreover, the disclosed lock system does not utilize a padlock, which istypically considered desirable by users.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,830 to Benje discloses a horizontal tool boxwhich utilizes a single padlock locking system. The Benje referenceincludes a horizontally extending elongated tubular conduit which isspring biased toward one end of the box. The conduit includes twoopenings within its other face which are disposed to receive two springbiased pivotable latches extending from the interior surface of thecover. A lateral bar coupled to the tubular conduit by manes of a wingextends outward from the tubular conduit in order to facilitate movementof a tubular conduct against the biasing spring to permit the cover tobe opened. Should the adjacent padlock be in the locked position, thehorizontal unlocking movement of the wing is not sufficient to committhe tubular conduit to release the downwardly extending latches. TheBenje reference, however, presents numerous practical concerns aboutsafety as well as operation. For example, the Benje reference includesnumerous relatively fragile movable parts and couplings, including thebiasing springs of the latches extending from the cover as well as thepivotable connection of the latches to the cover. Moreover, themechanism is highly susceptible to failure in that the tubular conduitmust be slid a sufficient distance to completely release the springbiased latches were a biased into engagement with the openings in theconduit. This is of particular concern in that the spring biased tubularconduit must be held against the force of the conduit biasing springwhile the cover is opened. Accordingly, if the tubular conduit cannot besufficiently moved, the cover will not unlatch the user will be unableto open the box, regardless of whether the padlock is in a lockedposition or not. Further, the lock is disposed in the center of thefront of the box, extending into the storage area, and the latchingmechanism is large and cumbersome, likewise extending into storagespace. This being the case, the components are highly susceptible todamage from the user lifting items in and out of the box. Moreover, themechanism occupies valuable storage space. While the Benje referenceattempts to minimize this concern by housing the mechanism in anextension protruding from the front wall of the box, the effect is thesame. Finally, the Benje reference proposes a tool box which includes acentral cover area which is not movable relative to the tool box, thecentral cover area being flanked by two movable covers hinged thereto.Accordingly, the Benje reference proposes an arrangement which utilizestwo padlocks on opposite sides of the vehicle, rather than a desirablesingle padlock system.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to providean improved tamper resistant lock system for a horizontal tool box. Itis a more particular object of the invention to provide a horizontaltool box which utilizes a single padlock and locking mechanism withmultiple latching points, each of which is simultaneously operated fromone end of the box.

[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a lockingmechanism which is resistant damaged to due normal movement of objectsinto and out of the tool box. More particularly, it is an object toprovide a locking mechanism which provides minimal protrusion into thestorage area.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a lockingsystem for a horizontal tool box which is resistant to failure. Arelated object is to provide a locking system which utilizes a minimalnumber of sturdy components which are resistant to failure and damageduring normal usage. It is also an object of the invention to provide alock system for a horizontal tool box in which the locking and unlockingthereof are accomplished by means of components whose positions can bepositively controlled to guarantee the reliable operation of the system.

[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a lock systemfor a horizontal tool box that can be left in an unlatched positionafter the padlock is unlocked to facilitate repeated opening and closingof the box cover.

[0015] It is also an object of the invention to provide a lock systemwhich may utilize different sized padlocks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In accordance with the invention, a high security lock systemwhich requires a single padlock and can be operated from a proximal endof a horizontal tool box is provided. The lock system includes anelongated latch rod which is supported in the first body component ofthe horizontal tool box for sliding lateral movement between a releaseposition and a latched position. Flanges having bores are disposedgenerally at the proximal and distal ends of the toolbox and extend intothe enclosed space of the toolbox from the second body component of thehorizontal toolbox. When the toolbox is closed and the latch rod is inthe latched position, the latch rod is engaged with the flanges. Whenthe latch rod is in the release position, the latch rod is disengagedfrom the flanges. The latch rod may be slid laterally within the toolboxbetween the latched and release positions by means of a handleaccessible from the outside of the toolbox substantially adjacent theproximal end of the box.

[0017] Significantly, the padlock is supported within the toolbox withthe key insertion surface of the padlock likewise accessible from theproximal end of the toolbox. The latch rod is disposed relative to thepadlock such that when the horizontal tool box is in the closed positionand the latch rod is in the latched position, the padlock body blocksthe longitudinal movement of the proximal end of the latch rod toprevent the latch rod from moving into the unlatched position.Conversely, when the padlock is in the unlatched position, the padlockbody no longer blocks the lateral movement of the proximal end of thelatch rod. As a result, a padlock engaging portion at the proximal endof the latch rod is free to advance between the legs of the padlockshackle so that the latch rod may move to the release position. In thisway, the user may operate both the latch rod and the padlock from theproximal end of the toolbox.

[0018] According of other aspects of the invention, the lockingmechanism provides only minimal interference with the use of thetoolbox, and the toolbox may utilize different types of padlocks. Morespecifically, the elongated latch rod is disposed substantially adjacenta front wall of the toolbox with the latching portions being offsettherefrom only enough to permit engagement with the flanges.Additionally, the padlock is supported within the tool box by a bracketwhich may be adjusted to dispose the padlock shackle at differentpositions in order to accommodate different types of padlock designswhile ensuring proper operation of the locking mechanism. The systemalso preferably includes an anti-theft mechanism wherein a channel isprovided about one or more of the openings which receive the proximalend of the latch rod and the latching portions so that the latch rod andlatching portions cannot be readily bent to disengage them from theassociated opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a horizontal tool boxincorporating a lock system according to teachings of the presentinvention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an inside fragmentary perspective view of the locksystem of FIG. 1 shown in the unlocked position, certain componentsbeing shown in phantom to facilitate explanation and understanding.

[0021]FIG. 3 is an inside perspective view of the lock system of FIG. 2shown in the locked position, certain components being illustrated inphantom to facilitate understanding of the invention and explanation.

[0022]FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of the tool box of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shackle support bracketconstructed in accordance with teachings of the invention, the shacklesupport bracket being adaptable to two different locks.

[0024]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the shackle supportbracket of FIG. 5.

[0025]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shackle support bracket ofFIG. 5 shown in a second configuration for accommodating a differentsize padlock.

[0026]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the shackle support bracket asillustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a horizontal storagecabinet or tool box 20, which is protected by an embodiment of the locksystem of the present invention (identified generally as 22). The toolbox 20 has a conventional look, with first and second body components24, 26 identified as the body 24 and the lid 26 in the illustratedembodiment. While this description will refer to the body 24 and lid 26as the first and second components, respectively, it will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the location of various elements may bedisposed along either the first or the second body components, i.e., thelid might alternately be identified as the first body component and thebody identified as the second body component.

[0028] As illustrated, the body 24 comprises a bottom 30, and front,side, and back walls 32, 34, 36, which define an enclosed space 38.Similarly, the lid 26 includes a top portion 40, and may include front,side, and back walls 42, 44 (back wall not visible in positionillustrated). The body 24 and lid 26 are hingably coupled along the backwalls 36 such that they are movable between the open positionillustrated in FIG. 1 and a closed position, further defining theenclosed space. The tool box 20 includes proximal and distal ends 46,48. The horizontal tool box may be alternately constructed. For example,the horizontal tool box may be open along the top and a portion of thefront wall, and may include a bi-fold lid which covers the top and theopen portion of the front wall of the box, as is known by those of skillin the art.

[0029] In order to lock the tool box 20 to prevent theft when the box 20is in its closed position, a conventional padlock 50 having a padlockbody 52 with a key insertion surface 54, and a shackle 56 (FIGS. 2 and3) is provided. The shackle 56 is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs57, 58 and a bight section 59. As is conventional, the shackle 56 andpadlock 52 are movable relative to one another between locked andunlocked positions. While the padlock 50 is illustrated as disposedalong the right end of the box 20, it could alternately be disposedalong the left end of the box 50, as would be desirable when the box 50is to be utilized in the bed of a truck.

[0030] In order to secure the padlock 50 within the tool box 20, asupport 60 is provided. The support 60 includes a box 62 and a bracket64 for receiving the shackle of the padlock. The bracket 64 includes oneor more openings 66, 68 through which the shackle 56 extends. Thebracket 64 is preferably coupled to the box 62 by a fastener 70, in thiscase a nut and bolt. The box 62 is further secured to the tool box 20 byany appropriate method, such as welding or the like. In order to permitthe user to activate the padlock 50 while protecting the shackle 56 andits connection to the padlock body 52 from tampering, the support 60disposes the padlock 50 adjacent an opening 72 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) inthe wall of the tool box 20, in the illustrated embodiment, the wall 32of the body 24, such that the key insertion surface 54 is accessiblefrom the outside of the box 20. Inasmuch as the padlock body 52 isslidable within the support 60 relative to the secured shackle 56, theuser may depress the padlock body 52 within the support 60 to lock thepadlock 50 (as shown in FIG. 3), or actuate the key to unlock thepadlock 50 and slide the padlock body 52 to the open positionillustrated in FIG. 2.

[0031] According to the invention, the horizontal tool box 20 isprovided with a lock system 22 which requires a single padlock 50 andwhich actuates latching mechanisms at both the proximal and distal ends46, 48 of the box 20, both the padlock 50 and the latching mechanismsbeing actuable from the proximal end 46 of the box 20. The lock system22 includes an elongated latch rod 80 which is supported in the firstbody component 24 for sliding lateral movement between a releaseposition and a latched position wherein the latch rod 80 is disengagedor engaged, respectively, from flanges 82, 84 extending from the insideof the second body component 26 into the enclosed space of thehorizontal tool box. As may best be seen in FIG. 1, the flanges 82, 84are generally disposed at the distal and proximal ends 48, 46 of thetool box 20 and extend into the enclosed space defined by the tool box20. In order to receive the latch rod 80, the first and second flanges82, 84 each include a bore 86, 88, which extends therethrough.

[0032] The elongated latch rod 80 includes a proximal end 90 and adistal end 92. Significantly, the latch rod is disposed relative to thepadlock support 50 such that when the horizontal tool box 20 is in theclosed position and the latch rod 80 is in the latched positionillustrated in FIG. 3, the padlock body 52 of a locked padlock 50 blocksthe longitudinal movement of the proximal end 90 of the latch rod toprevent the latch rod from moving into the unlatched position.Conversely, when the padlock 50 is in the unlatched position as isillustrated in FIG. 2, the padlock body 52 no longer blocks the lateralmovement of the proximal end 90 of the latch rod 80. More specifically,a padlock engaging portion 130 is provided at the proximal end 90 of thelatch rod 80. When the padlock 50 is in the unlatched position shown inFIG. 2, the padlock engaging portion 130 is free to advance between thelegs 57, 58 of the padlock shackle 56. Conversely, when the padlock 50is in the locked position shown in FIG. 3, the padlock engaging portion130 of the elongated latch rod 80 abuts the body 52 of the padlock 50 toprevent lateral movement of the latch rod 80. In this way, when thepadlock 50 is unlocked, the latch rod 80 is free to be moved into therelease position, as is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0033] While the elongated latch rod 80 and the padlock 50 are bothdisposed within the first body component 24, or the body 24, it will beappreciated by those of skill in the art that the padlock 50 and latchrod 80 may be alternately disposed. For example, the latch rod 80 may bedisposed within the first body component 24, while the padlock 50 may becoupled to the second body component 26, so long as the padlock 50 actsto limit the travel of the latch rod 80 when the horizontal tool box 20is in the closed position.

[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the latch rod 80 includes anelongated latch body portion 94 from which latching portions 96, 98extend. Latching portion 96 is disposed at the distal end 92 of thelatch rod 80 to engage the bore 86 in the first flange 86 extending fromthe inner surface of the lid 26, while the latching portion 98 at theproximal end 90 of the latch rod 80 is disposed to engage the bore 88 inthe flange 84. As may be seen, both latching portions 96, 98 extend inthe direction of the distal end 92 of the latch rod 80 such thatlaterally sliding the latch rod 80 in the distal direction substantiallysimultaneously engages the latching portion 96, 98 with the bores 86, 88in the flanges 82, 84.

[0035] In order to slidingly support the latch rod 80 within the firstbody component 24, brackets 100 and 110 are provided. For ease ofexplanation, the brackets 100, 110 are illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 2and 3. While the brackets may be of any appropriate form, bracket 100has a generally U-shape and includes a bore 102 for supporting the latchbody portion 94, and a bore 104 for supporting the first latchingportion 96. In order to further ensure the security of the latching ofthe latching portion 96 to the first flange 82, an additional supportbracket 120 which includes a bore 122 may be provided (shown inphantom). In this way, during use, the first latching portion 96 extendsthrough the bore 104 of the first bracket 100, through the bore 86 ofthe first flange 82 extending from the second body component 26 , andthrough the bore 122 of the bracket 120, brackets 100 and 120 both beingsecured to the first body component 24.

[0036] The second bracket 110 at the proximal end of the elongated latchrod 80 similarly includes a bore 112 for supporting the elongated latchbody portion 94. It will be appreciated that bores 102 and 104 areoffset from one another, and, accordingly, bores 102, 104 in conjunctionwith bore 112 in bracket 110 maintains the latch rod 80 in a steady, butsliding position within the first body component 24.

[0037] The second bracket 110 may additionally include a second bore 114for receiving the distal end of the second latching portion 98. As maybest be seen in FIG. 3, when latched, the second latching portion 98extends through the bore 88 of the second flange 84 extending from thesecond body component 26, and through the bore 114 of the second bracket110 secured to the first body component 24 to securely latch the firstand second body components 24, 26.

[0038] Thus, the dual bracket design for coupling a first and secondlatching portions 96, 98 with the bores 86, 88 of the first and secondflanges 82, 84 provides an arrangement which is highly resistant totampering. More specifically, should a thief attempt to pry the secondbody component 26 from the first 24, the ends of the latching portions96, 98 would be highly resistant to separation from the bores 86, 88 ofthe flanges 82, 84 because the very ends of the latching portions 96, 98not only extend through the flange bores 82, 84, but further extendthrough the bores 122, 114 in brackets 100, 110.

[0039] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that latchrod 80 protrudes only minimally into the enclosed space defined by thefirst and second body components 24, 26. This is due to theparticularized structure of the latch rod 80 in that the elongated latchbody portion 94 is disposed substantially adjacent the front wall 32 ofthe first body component 24. The latching portions 96, 98 are thenoffset only as much as necessary to obtain the desired latchingcapabilities. Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that theelongated latch body portion 94 moves along a first longitudinal axiswithin the first body component 24. While the offset latching portions96, 98 are slidably disposed along parallel longitudinal axes. Theflanges 82, 84 extending from the second body component are thusdisposed in perpendicular planes to the elongated latch rod 80.

[0040] In order to support the padlock 50 in position within the padlocksupport 60, and to support the padlock engaging portion 130 of theelongated latch rod 80, a bracket 132 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3for clarity of the drawing) is provided at the proximal end 46 of thehorizontal tool box 20. As shown, the bracket 132 includes a bore 134for receiving the padlock engaging portion 130 of the latch rod 80 andensuring its proper positioning within the first 24 body component. Tominimize opportunity for the padlock engaging portion 130 of theelongated latch rod 80 to disengage from the bore 134, the bracket 132and a channel 136 is disposed about the bore 134 and protrudes from thesurface of the bracket 132. The channel 136 extends a sufficientdistance about the padlock engaging portion 130 to inhibit bending ofthe portion 130 such that its end would disengage from bore 134. Thechannel 136 preferred illustrated design, for example, is in the form ofa “C-shaped” bracket, the top and bottom of which extend adjacent andsubjacent the latch rod portion 130, a rearwardly extending portion 131of the latch rod 80 being received in the open portion of the “C-shaped”bracket 136 when the latch rod 80 is in the proximal, unlatched positionshown in FIG. 2. As a result, the latch rod portion 130 is resistant todisengaging from bore 134, even when an upward force is exerted on thelatch rod 80 by the flange 84 as a would-be thief attempts to pry thetool box open. Similar brackets could be provided around the other boresthrough which portions of the latch rod 80 extend, e.g., bores 114 and122.

[0041] To facilitate lateral movement of the elongated latch rod 80within the tool box 20, the latch rod 80 includes a handle 140 which issecured to the latch rod 80, and is accessible to the user from theoutside of the horizontal tool box 20. To minimize opportunity fordamage to the handle 140, the handle 140 preferably extends generallydownward from the latch rod 80 and through an elongated slot 142 (shownin phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3 for clarity of the drawings) in the upperwall of a recessed portion 144 of the front wall 32. It will beappreciated that the recessed portion 144 presents an aestheticallypleasing, stylish appearance for the box. An alternate embodiment whichincludes a recessed box portion 144 a is illustrated in FIG. 4. Whilepresenting an alternate appearance, the embodiment of FIG. 4 operatesidentically to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. In use, the user may movethe handle 140 laterally within the recessed portion 144 or recessed box144 a to slide the latch rod between the latched and unlatchedpositions. In keeping with an important aspect of the invention, thehandle 140 and the padlock 50 are both disposed substantially adjacentthe proximal end 46 of the horizontal tool box 20 whereby the user maylatch and lock or unlatch and unlock the box from a single end thereof.

[0042] According to another feature of the invention, the padlocksupport 60 may be structured such that it can utilize more than one sizeor type of padlock. Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, there is illustrated apadlock support 160 which includes a box 162 that is formed of a stampedsheet metal wherein sides 162 a, 162 b, and end 162 c portions extendfrom a back wall 162 d.

[0043] In order to permit the inventive padlock support 160 toeffectively utilize different sizes of padlocks, the bracket 164includes two separate openings 166, 168 which are alternately used tocouple the bracket 164 to the support box 162 or to receive the shackle56 of the padlock (see FIGS. 2-3). Significantly, the bracket 164 has anL-shape with the openings 166, 168 being disposed along opposite legs ofthe “L” at different distances from the apex. When coupled to the box162 via a coupler, such as a nut and bolt 170, 172, the location of theopenings 166, 168 then dictate location of the shackle 56, andaccordingly, the padlock body 52. In order to facilitate properattachment of the bracket 164 to the support box 162, wall 162 cincludes an opening 165. Thus, the bracket may be disposed asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, or as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 toprovide alternate positioning of a padlock 50 within the support 160.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that this arrangement providesgreat versatility in the user's choice and use of a desired padlock 50.

[0044] It will be appreciated now that what has been provided is asignificantly improved padlock-protecting lock system for a horizontaltool box which is simple, robust, and reliable. While the invention hasbeen described in connection with certain embodiments, however, it willbe understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to thoseparticular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover allalternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lock system for a horizontal tool box havingfirst and second body components, said body components being moveablerelative to one another between open and closed positions, said bodycomponents defining an enclosed space in the closed position, said toolbox having a proximal end and a distal end and utilizing a padlockhaving a shackle and a padlock body having a key insertion surface, saidpadlock being moveable between a locked position and an unlockedposition, said lock system comprising: a support for holding the padlockinside the tool box, said support being secured within the tool box andopening along an outer surface of the toolbox, said support including abracket, the shackle being received by the bracket such that the bracketsecures the shackle to the tool box and the shackle is substantiallyinaccessible from outside the tool box, said padlock body being slidablydisposed within the support such that the key insertion surface of thepadlock body is exposed for external access along the proximal end ofthe tool box, a first flange disposed at substantially the distal end ofthe box and a second flange disposed at substantially the proximal endof the box, said flanges each having a bore extending therethrough, theflanges being secured to and extending from the second body component,an elongated latch rod having a proximal end and a distal end, saidlatch rod being supported in the first body component for slidinglateral movement between a release position wherein the latch rod doesnot engage the flange bores, and a latched position wherein the distalend of the latch rod slidingly engages the first flange bore and theproximal end of the latch rod slidingly engages the second flange borewhen the box is in the closed position, the latch rod being disposedrelative to the support such that the padlock body blocks thelongitudinal movement of the proximal end of the latch rod and maintainsthe latch rod in the latched position when the body components are inthe closed position and the padlock is locked, and the proximal end ofthe latch rod passes between the shackle and the padlock body to movethe latch rod to the release position when the padlock is unlocked, anda handle assessable from the outside of the box and disposedsubstantially along the proximal end of the box, said handle beingcoupled to the latch rod such that the handle may be moved to slide thelatch rod laterally between the latched and release positions, whereby auser may lock and unlock the padlock and move the latch rod between thelatched and release positions from the proximal end of the box.
 2. Thelock system for a horizontal tool box of claim 1 wherein the latch rodcomprises an elongated latch body portion and latching portions offsetfrom the latch body portion, said latching portions being disposed toengage the bores of the flanges.
 3. The lock system for a horizontaltool box of claim 1 wherein the latch rod has a longitudinal axis andthe flanges are disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.
 4. The lock system for a horizontal tool box of claim3 wherein the first body component further comprises a first bracket forslidingly supporting the distal end of the latch rod, and a secondbracket having a bore for slidingly receiving the distal end of thelatch rod, the brackets being disposed such that the first flange isdisposed between the first and second brackets, the distal end of thelatch rod extending adjacent the first bracket and the flange, andthrough the bore of the second bracket when in the latched position. 5.The lock system for a horizontal tool box of claim 1 wherein the latchbody portion is disposed to move along a first longitudinal axis and atleast one of the latch body portions is disposed to move along a secondlongitudinal axis, said first and second longitudinal axes beingdisposed substantially parallel.
 6. The lock system for a horizontaltool box of claim 5 wherein at least one said flange is disposed in aplane substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
 7. Thelock system for a horizontal tool box of claim 6 wherein the first bodycomponent further comprises a first bracket for slidingly supporting thedistal end of the latch rod, and a second bracket having a bore forslidingly receiving the distal end of the latch rod, the brackets beingdisposed such that the first flange is disposed between the first andsecond brackets, the distal end of the latch rod extending adjacent thefirst bracket and the flange, and through the bore of the second bracketwhen in the latched position.
 8. The lock system for a horizontal toolbox of claim 1 wherein the box further comprises a wall, at least aportion of the elongated latch rod being disposed substantially adjacentthe wall such that any intrusion of the latch rod into the enclosedspace is substantially minimized.
 9. The lock system for a horizontaltool box of claim 2 wherein the box further comprises a wall and atleast a portion of the elongated body portion is disposed substantiallyadjacent the wall such that any intrusion of the latch rod into theenclosed space is substantially minimized.
 10. The lock system for ahorizontal tool box of claim 1 further comprising a fastener forcoupling the bracket to the support, the bracket including two openingstherethrough, both said openings being operable to either receive thefastener to couple the bracket to the support or to receive the shackle,said openings being alternately disposable to secure the shackle atdifferent positions in the support whereby the bracket may be used withat least two different types of padlocks.
 11. The lock system for ahorizontal tool box of claim 1 wherein the support further includes awall extending along at least a portion of the padlock shackle and body,said support wall having an opening extending therethrough for receivingthe proximal end of the latch rod, said support further including achannel protruding from said support wall disposed about at least aportion of said support opening and at least a portion of said proximalend of the latch rod.
 12. The lock system for a horizontal tool box ofclaim 10 wherein the support further includes a wall extending along atleast a portion of the padlock shackle and body, said support wallhaving an opening extending therethrough for receiving the proximal endof the latch rod, said support further including a channel protrudingfrom said support wall disposed about at least a portion of said supportopening and at least a portion of said proximal end of the latch rod.13. A lock system for a tool box having first and second bodycomponents, said body components being moveable relative to one anotherbetween open and closed positions and defining an enclosed space in theclosed position, said tool box utilizing a padlock having a shackle anda padlock body having a key insertion surface, said padlock beingmoveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, said locksystem comprising: a support for holding the padlock inside the toolbox, said support being secured within the tool box and opening along anouter surface of the toolbox, said support including a bracket and afastener for coupling the bracket to the support, the bracket includingtwo openings therethrough, both said openings being operable to eitherreceive the fastener to couple the bracket to the support or to receivethe shackle such that the bracket secures the shackle to the tool boxand the shackle is substantially inaccessible from outside the tool box,said openings being disposed to secure the shackle at differentpositions in the support whereby the bracket may be utilized with atleast two different types of padlocks, the shackle being received by thebracket, said padlock body being slidably disposed within the supportsuch that the key insertion surface of the padlock body is exposed forexternal access along the proximal end of the tool box, at least oneflange extending from the second body component into the enclosed space,said flange having a bore extending therethrough, an elongated latchrod, said latch rod being supported in the first body component forsliding lateral movement between a release position wherein the latchrod does not engage the flange bore, and a latched position wherein thelatch rod slidingly engages the flange bore when the box is in theclosed position, the latch rod being disposed relative to the supportsuch that the padlock body blocks the longitudinal movement of theproximal end of the latch rod and maintains the latch rod in the latchedposition when the body components are in the closed position and thepadlock is locked, and the proximal end of the latch rod passes betweenthe shackle and the padlock body to move the latch rod to the releaseposition when the padlock is unlocked, and a handle assessable from theoutside of the box, said handle being coupled to the latch rod such thatthe handle may be moved to slide the latch rod between the latched andrelease positions.
 14. The lock system claimed in claim 13 wherein thebracket comprises two legs disposed at a substantially perpendicularangle and an apex, the openings of the bracket being differently sizedwhereby the shackle of the padlock will be disposed at differentpositions within the support.
 15. The lock system claimed in claim 13wherein the bracket comprises two legs disposed at a substantiallyperpendicular angle and an apex, the openings of the bracket beingdisposed at different distances from the apex whereby the shackle of thepadlock will be disposed at different positions within the support. 16.The lock system claimed in claim 13 wherein the support further includesa wall extending along at least a portion of the padlock shackle andbody, said support wall having an opening extending therethrough forreceiving the proximal end of the latch rod, said support furtherincluding a channel protruding from said support wall disposed about atleast a portion of said support opening and at least a portion of saidproximal end of the latch rod.
 17. A lock system for a tool box having awall, said tool box further having first and second body components,said body components being moveable relative to one another between openand closed positions and defining an enclosed space in the closedposition, said tool box utilizing a padlock having a shackle and apadlock body having a key insertion surface, said padlock being moveablebetween a locked position and an unlocked position, said lock systemcomprising: a support for holding the padlock inside the tool box, saidsupport being secured within the tool box and opening along an outersurface of the toolbox, said support including a bracket, the shacklebeing received by the bracket such that the bracket secures the shackleto the tool box and the shackle is substantially inaccessible fromoutside the tool box, said padlock body being slidably disposed withinthe support such that the key insertion surface of the padlock body isexposed for external access along the proximal end of the tool box, atleast one flange extending from the second body component into theenclosed space, said flange having a bore extending therethrough, anelongated latch rod comprising an elongated latch body portion and atleast one latching portion offset from the latch body portion, saidelongated latch body being disposed substantially adjacent said tool boxwall whereby the enclosed space is substantially unobstructed by theelongated latch body portion, said latching portions being disposed toengage the bore of the at least one flange, said latch rod beingsupported in the first body component for sliding lateral movementbetween a release position wherein the at least one latching portiondoes not engage the flange bore, and a latched position wherein the atleast one latching portion slidingly engages the flange bore when thebox is in the closed position, the latch rod being disposed relative tothe support such that the padlock body blocks the longitudinal movementof the latch rod and maintains the at least one latching portion in thelatched position when the body components are in the closed position andthe padlock is locked, and the latch rod passes between the shackle andthe padlock body to move the at least one latching portion to therelease position when the padlock is unlocked, and a handle assessablefrom the outside of the box, said handle being coupled to the latch rodsuch that the handle may be moved to slide the latch rod between thelatched and release positions, whereby a user may lock and unlock thepadlock and move the latch rod between the latched and releasepositions.
 18. The lock system for a tool box of claim 15 wherein thelatch body portion is disposed to move along a first longitudinal axisand at least one of the latch body portions is disposed to move along asecond longitudinal axis, said first and second longitudinal axes beingdisposed substantially parallel.
 19. The lock system for a tool box ofclaim 15 wherein the latch rod has proximal and distal ends and thesupport is disposed at the proximal end of the latch rod when the toolbox is in the closed position such that the padlock body blocks thelongitudinal movement of the proximal end of the latch rod and maintainsthe at least one latching portion in the latched position when the bodycomponents are in the closed position and the padlock is locked.
 20. Thelock system for a tool box of claim 17 wherein the support furtherincludes a wall extending along at least a portion of the padlockshackle and body, said support wall having an opening extendingtherethrough for receiving the proximal end of the latch rod, saidsupport further including a channel protruding from said support walldisposed about at least a portion of said support opening and at least aportion of said proximal end of the latch rod.